We want to hear from you...

[sam_leader]

We want to inspire new visitors and those lurking to get actively involved, so have started this thread to give them reasons why.

For me, this forum is an incredible resource. It's a place where learning, friendship and opportunities are abundant and I am so proud to be part of it.

What have you gained from being a member? Please post a sentence or two to let us know.

With thanks in advance for your participation.

Sam on behalf of myself, Peter and Robert

[Jexley]

In a word?

Validation.

It's that simple. From my initial decision to become a soloist, to how I do my books, to how I handle my difficult clients and even how I manage a squirming toddler on my lap during a very important teleconference, I've heard and shared so many stories about how we all pull it off, day after day, and all have resonated within me.

So, thanks to all you folks out there, for making me feel validated in my choices as a soloist. Even if they involve explaining the random noodles in my laptop case during a meeting as "Art. It's Art!"

[BB]

I love this place, and make no secret of the fact that I find it a very positive experience. I read most of the posts, and have learned heaps about things I never knew existed. (one day I'll actually tell you what they are...LOL)

I joined back in December. At first I was a little shy, and didn't want to say too much. (which is a strange thing to admit, 'cos if you knew me you'd know that I can talk under water with my mouth full of marbles)

But it's just like any other room full of strangers - and somebody has to say something first so that we can all reply. Which we do - and I love reading all the replies and coments because they're all different, and individual.

The worst part of being a soloist is having nobody to share things with. Here there is a place for that. We all share the ups and downs, knowing that somebody else has been (or is going) through the same thing. Nobody is ever too critical and there are always plenty of kind words. And if the debate sometimes gets a little fiesty - well... we're all individuals and it's great to see the personal characters leaping off the screen.

I've made a few alliances through here - and that's got to be good for not only my business but theirs too. Haven't met anybody in the flesh yet (that doesn't mean I want to actually see the rest of Burgo's picture) but that is going to be remedied soon.

It's true you know - you can only get back what you put in. So to those of you who haven't joined the conversation - jump in! We promise we won't devour you!

cheers,

B.B.

[Renee Barber]

I think what I like the most is getting to share my knowledge with others and also receiving other people's takes on situations. It's often said that opinions are like a**holes; everyone has them, but increasingly I'm finding even opinions I disagree with to be a catalyst for brainstorming so it's all good.

What I also enjoy is the great opportunity to network with other people in my areas of expertise. Many people see the competition as evil troglodytes, but I've found the webbies and designers on here to be down-to-earth, lovely people.

Oh and I've made a few alliances along the way too. That doesn't hurt. :-)

So, stop lurking and start posting! The greatest opportunities are often found in the most unexpected places.

[BMasterminds]

I have learnt through being on this forum it is like networking online - all the same rules offline apply here! By networking online I mean you:

• Help each other - You can help others by sharing your knowledge, expertise, opinions, give feedback and others can help you in the same way
• Meet people - enagage others in dialogues that are open and honest
• Business Cards - are like your profiles in the forum. People can choose to ignore them or find out more about you and your company
• No Hard Selling - if people believe you are doing it, they won't respect what you say.
• Fun - it's enjoyable because it exposes you to all kinds of information and people you may not have meet had you not been involved in this forum!
• Mutual Relationships - it's got to work both ways because people can choose to ignore you very easily

I am sure this list goes on but at 7.52am I will leave it to your imagination!

[Burgo]

Message to all lurkers.

The forum you are lurking on, as you can see is like a family and you are very welcome to come in.

We are of different age groups, from different industry groups, from different backgrounds, cultures etc.,
Hopefully you are starting to get my drift. We are like close cousins.

Some of us look upon this forum as a place where we can get together and discuss anything that is on our minds, from the seriously business to the funny side of life.

Guaranteed you will make friends here.
Guaranteed you will find someone who is willing to help you
Guaranteed you will learn from the experience of participating
Guaranteed it wont cost you a cent.

Please stop lurking and come and join the BEST forum in the world guaranteed.

[LeelaCosgrove]

$12k in sales and counting ...

Every time I get into an argument my database increases by 30-40 people and I make a couple of sales ...

I'm all about the bottom line and ROI ...

[tildavirtual]

I'm a lurker only because if someone else has already said it, I'm not about to post for the sake of posting. Having said that, I decided to join the forums based on the recommendation of one of my clients.

Prior to joining I'd only ever joined industry based forums so seeing the mix of business owners here is absolutely fabulous. I love the way different people think in different ways and I love the fact that what we all have in common is that we are soloists and forward thinkers. We may not agree on topics but it's guaranteed to give you someone elses perspective.

[copperpipe]

I come here and find friends, and oppotunity in my business and if I have some questions I can display here and get help

[Julia Nitschke]

Hi I have just been researching for my new book and I found this site. I am really excited to see so many different businesses here and the posts have been very interesting.

I am an Accountant, well I should say ex-Accountant as I am now working from home. I am working on a manual for small business start ups. There has been so much data I have for the book it has been really hard to finalise and know what to include.

If you dont mind and have the time, I have got an online survey going to find out what you will actually find relevant and what will just be taking up valuable space.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?s..._2bQvrig_3d_3d

If you do the survey be sure to leave your email and name and as a thank you i will send you a free electronic copy of the book once it is finished.

Also if anyone has any ideas about what they would have liked to seen in a book when they started I will take any suggestions!